New techniques detect false stamps

Scientists have found an easier way to detect false stamps without affecting them. This is a good news for stamp collectors.

The authenticity of stamps has been verified by analyzing their specific components (such as print patterns), or through expert screening. Now, a team from the University of the Università del Salento in Italy has tried to apply infrared spectroscopy .

Simply put the specimen for a beam of infrared light, and study how the stamp material absorbs light. Because each molecule absorbs infrared light at a particular frequency, it is possible to deduce the presence of these molecules as light passing through that frequency is absorbed.

The researchers looked at a series of stamps from Italy (dating back to 1850) that have been validated and used this technique to enumerate the composition of the material consisting of paper yarn, filler, ink, sealant stick, coating. Then, they also analyze the other stamps to see if they match the composition of the stamps that have been declared authentic.

Of the 180 stamps tested, infrared spectroscopy has identified two fake stamps, according to Gizmag.

According to scientists, the process is simple, accurate and fast. This research has been published in the journal Analytical Chemistry.